there is nothing like a book

So spread out your wings untiring

get to a book store or library

good books are fun and thrilling things to own.

f you ever find yourself on the Strange Hwy—don’t turn around. Don’t panic. Just. Keep. Going. You never know what you’ll find.
You’ll see magic at the fingertips of an autistic young man,
•A teen girl’s afternoon, a lifetime of loss.
•A winged man, an angel? Demon—?
•Mother’s recognition, peace to daughter.
•Danny’s death – stifled secrets.
•Black man’s music, guitar transforms boy.
•Dead brother, an open confession.
•First love, supernatural?—family becomes whole!
You can exit the Strange Hwy, and come back any time you want.
See, now you know the way in, don’t be a stranger.

MY REVIEW:

Strange HWY brings together 18 of Author, Beem Weeks’ strange and wonderful coming of age stories about the madness and sadness, courage and vulnerability of youth.

This collection of eclectic short stories explores a vast range of topics including, suicide, cancer, prostitution, mental illness and even the paranormal. My favorite stories are Alterations, Constant of the Day, Demons, Songs of the Lost, and Looking for Lucy but to be honest, I was captivated by each well-written story in this book.

Author, Beem Weeks is a talented writer that’s very attuned to detail. His writing style is unique but also fun and easy. He seems to see the world as a reason to create with his straightforward, unusual, traditional stories.

The stories in this book are meant to be read slowly and savored and are filled with lovely and disturbing moments that will stay with you for some time to come. I highly recommend it.

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Connect with Author, Beem Weeks on Social Media!

Darcy Lynn has a few problems: her sister, Lola, killed by a drunk driver, leaves her with an eerie message right before her death; her parents are atheists; her father drinks a little too much, and her brother, Bud, is just annoying. But, her most pressing issue is that things are mysteriously opening and closing around her and she hasn’t a clue as to why…or how.

In this short “sad but uplifting story with a wonderful message,” as one reader tags it, Author, Nonnie Jules flexes her writing chops once again, by introducing her readers to a normal, everyday family, whose lives are altered, not once, but twice by unexpected and unusual circumstances.

If you came into this story only believing in things seen with your own two eyes, and things heard with your own two ears, you walk away with a new and refreshing added sense…the ability and the courage to change, based on where your heart leads you.

MY REVIEW:

Open, Shut by Nonnie Jules is a poignant short story about a seemingly happy and normal family who experience the death of a loved one.

Darcy Lynn’s parents were atheists and prayer and reading the Bible were strictly prohibited in their household.

However, Darcy’s older sister, Lola was curious about Christianity and began secretly studying the Bible. She was caught once by her mother, who had a fit but that didn’t deter her from continuing her secret Bible studies and prayers. Lola also received visits from an angel who seemed to be preparing her for something.

Later, Lola became ill. During the course of her illness, she continued to pray and read her Bible, even in the presence of her mother who no longer made a fuss about it.

On one of Lola’s better days, she walked to school with Darcy and their younger brother Bobby. When she stepped off the sidewalk to cross the street she was struck by a car.

After her sister’s death, Darcy began to feel a presence in her room and strange things began to happen. She would come home to find her bedroom door and windows, closet door and dresser drawers opened when she knew she had shut them prior to leaving for school.

One day Darcy walks into her sister’s bedroom which her mother kept intact and finds Lola’s diary. While reading Lola’s diary, she learns a lot about her sister. Her sister’s words opened her eyes to many things hidden from her and changed her life.

What I enjoyed most about this short story was the author’s writing style which was believable, easy, and captivating.

Overall, Open, Shut is a worthwhile, easy short read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Christian stories.

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Author, Nonnie Jules is president of the Rave Reviews Book Club of which I’m a proud member.

Rave Reviews Book Club is a friendly and helpful community of talented writers and avid readers.

What a great themed post today, Vashti! One of these days I’m going to attempt a etheree. I’m really intrigued at it construction and presentation. Two good books you reviewed and really captured the writing styles of both authors. Your poem was fantastic and the one you shared was a peek into the joy of reading. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Vashti:)

Your Etheree is so spot-on! It’s easy to disappear into the pages of a good book and travel to places that could never be attained physically! I love your reviews of both of these books! Beem is such a great storyteller, as is Nonnie. Thank you for sharing, Vashti! Have a great weekend!